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About

FORECLOSURE SALES  

   

One of the many functions of the Sheriff’s Office is to conduct the sale of real property after foreclosure proceedings have been initiated. All properties sold by auction are advertised in the Record and in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks.  

   

In addition to the newspaper publications, a list of properties scheduled for sale during the upcoming weeks is available. Listings may be obtained HERE.

   

If you seek assistance regarding your foreclosure matter, you can contact the Foreclosure Unit at (201) 336-3500 ext. 4453, by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by fax at (201) 752-4234, or by e-fax at    (201) 880-4149.  

   

Please note the unit is closed for lunch Monday through Thursday, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM and on Friday for one hour after the sales end.  

The Sheriff’s Foreclosure Sale

Consolidated actions challenging the constitutionality of the Community Wealth Preservation Program (CWPP) are pending before the Mercer County Superior Court (MER-C-94-24). Effective immediately and until further notice, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office is temporarily suspending application of the CWPP to Sheriff’s sales. HERE

The Foreclosure Sale Process

  

Sales of property are “open type” auction sales (no sealed bids). Initially, a minimum bid of $100.00 is made by the plaintiff to start the bidding process. All subsequent bids are in $100.00 increments. All bidding in excess of $100,000.00 is in $1,000.00 increments. The successful bidder is required to post a deposit of 20% of the total bid price in cash, certified funds, or cashier’s checks immediately at the time of sale. 

  

To determine the amount you may need for deposit, you must decide what your highest bid will be. Then, certified funds, cashier’s check, or cash for 20% of that amount must be presented. Certified checks and cashier’s checks should be made payable to the “Bergen County Sheriff” or to the FULL name of the successful bidder, which will then be endorsed to the “Bergen County Sheriff.” 

  

The balance of the bid is due within 30 calendar days from the date of sale. If the balance is not paid within 30 days, the purchaser must pay default interest at the current prevailing rate, as dictated by the State of New Jersey, on the full amount of the bid from the 31st day after the sale date through the date of final payment.

Things to Remember

  

  • Sale Postponements 

A Sheriff’s sale may be postponed, canceled, or rescheduled due to adjournments, settlements, or bankruptcy proceedings. To confirm the status of a sale, please refer to the Sheriff’s website under “Search Foreclosures.” 

  

  • Title Search 

If you are interested in a property, a title search is recommended. You can perform a title search for free at the Bergen County Clerk’s Office, or you may choose to hire a private title search firm. 

  

  • Post-Sale
    1. The original owner has the right to redeem the property within ten calendar days from the date of the sale. If applicable, this redemption period may be extended. 

      

    1. Once the bid is paid in full, the successful bidder will receive a Sherif’s Deed. A Sheriff’s Deed does not guarantee clear title to the property. Please consult with an attorney about possible issues that may arise. The purchaser is responsible for paying deed recording fees to the County Clerk when the deed is recorded. 

      

    1.  If the purchaser fails to complete the sale, they may be held responsible by forfeiting their deposit.  

      

    1. You must record the deed before you are considered the owner of the real property. 

      

    1. If the property remains occupied by the former owner, you must apply to the courts for a Writ of Possession to remove the occupants. 
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Bergen County Sheriff's Office

2 Bergen County Plaza
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: (201) 336-3500
Fax: (201) 752-4234

© 2019 Bergen County Sheriff's Office.  All Rights Reserved    insert